Scrum Master

Job Purpose:
The Scrum Master has primary responsibility of facilitating the learning and growth of one or more Agile teams in developing a lean-Agile mindset, improving practices and guiding them to more predictable delivery. The Scrum Master plays a role in facilitating Agile ceremonies and planning of releases, removing impediments, providing guidance, and supporting Agile teams.

Autonomy
Works under general direction. Uses discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues and assignments. Usually receives specific instructions and has work reviewed at frequent milestones. Determines when issues should be escalated to a higher level. Interacts with and influences colleagues. Has working level contact with customers, suppliers and partners. May supervise others or make decisions which impact the work assigned to individuals or phases of projects. Performs a range of work, sometimes complex and non routine, in a variety of environments. Applies
methodical approach to issue definition and resolution Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to issue resolution. Takes the initiative in identifying and negotiating appropriate personal development opportunities. Demonstrates effective communication skills. Contributes fully to the work of teams. Plans, schedules and monitors own work (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited deadlines and according to relevant legislation, standards and procedures. Appreciates the wider business context, and how own role relates to other roles and to the business of the employer or client.

Influence
Works under general direction. Uses discretion in identifying and responding to complex issues and assignments. Usually receives specific instructions and has work reviewed at frequent milestones. Determines when issues should be escalated to a higher level. Interacts with and influences colleagues. Has working level contact with customers, suppliers and partners. May supervise others or make decisions which impact the work assigned to individuals or phases of projects. Performs a range of work, sometimes complex and non routine, in a variety of environments. Applies
methodical approach to issue definition and resolution Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to issue resolution. Takes the initiative in identifying and negotiating appropriate personal development opportunities. Demonstrates effective communication skills. Contributes fully to the work of teams. Plans, schedules and monitors own work (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited deadlines and according to relevant legislation, standards and procedures. Appreciates the wider business context, and how own role relates to other roles and to the business of the employer or client.

Complexity
Performs a range of work, sometimes complex and non routine, in a variety of environments. Applies
methodical approach to issue definition and resolution

Business Skills
Demonstrates an analytical and systematic approach to issue resolution. Takes the initiative in identifying and negotiating appropriate personal development opportunities. Demonstrates effective communication skills. Contributes fully to the work of teams. Plans, schedules and monitors own work (and that of others where applicable) competently within limited deadlines and according to relevant legislation, standards and procedures. Appreciates the wider business context, and how own role relates to other roles and to the business of the employer or client

Backlog Management Practices
• Works with Product Owners and team members to learn and practice healthy backlog management and prioritization practices
• Facilitates the execution and improvement of backlog refinement
• Prepares for and facilitates release planning with teams
• Assists in dependency management and cross team coordination
Agile Ceremony Facilitation
• Facilitates continuous improvement and the development of a learning culture on teams
• Facilitates ceremonies, collaboration, communication, and conflict management
• Teaches new team members Agile mindset and frameworks, practices, and process
• Influences the organization in the removal of organizational impediments and development of healthy Agile practices
• Mentors Product Owners and team members in agile practices and continuous improvement
Delivery Team Support
• Removes impediments to the team’s ability to perform
• Acts as a buffer between external distractions to minimize disruptions
• Assists in the coordination of operational issue resolution
• Facilitates team development, mediates conflicts protecting the team and encourages healthy team dynamics.
• Fosters team responsibility, self-accountability, transparency and self-organization
• Leverages coaching skills to help the team learn to solve its own problems

Advice and Guidance
• Introduces and encourages team to explore healthy Agile development practices, focus on quality and technical excellence, predictable delivery, automation, and continuous delivery
• Teaches and encourages a balanced backlog that delivers valuable features for customers, reduces technical debt, provides business value, and enables product sustainability
• Helps the team to develop, capture, and analyze metrics to facilitate team improvements
• Promotes transparency through healthy communications and data integrity

Skills
Professional Technology Skills (the professional technology skills you need to be able to do the job)

Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications
Essential Desirable
• Bachelor’s degree or related field or equivalent combination of industry related professional experience and education
• Working experience related industry
• 2 - 5 years of working experience as a Scrum Master
• Working experience in one or more of the following Agile methods or frameworks: Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), or Kanban
• Working experience with Agile scaling frameworks, preferably SAFe • Scrum Master certification or equivalent certified professional (Desired for lower level – required for higher)